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Art

Visual & Performing Arts

Dance

Dance

Develop your artistic expression, technical skills and performance abilities while gaining a deep understanding of dance history, theory, and choreography, preparing you for a dynamic career in the arts.

Department Overview

Laney’s Dance Department provides an extensive curriculum in dance theory and practice that is socially and culturally inclusive through which students can experience a wide range of dance perspectives, genres, develop their choreographic voice, and explore freedom of movement while preserving the history and integrity of the dance discipline. We embolden students with 21st century intercultural competencies and job market skills, applicable to any chose field.

Career Opportunities

The Department of Dance offers an Associate Arts Degree in Dance that provides an extensive curriculum in dance theory and hands-on technical and experiential practice in the context of a broader education within the Liberal Arts. Our dance courses meet CSU/UC transfer requirements.

Q: Why are students who pursue careers in the arts highly desired by employers and considered to be model critical thinkers?

A: Dance helps you to develop intercultural communication skills which may be the most valuable of all competencies for employers due to their cross cultural and cross curricular applications. The study of dance provides you with 21st century global education and intercultural competencies that extend way beyond the classroom.

Students who study the arts possess a diverse mindset with a leniency toward global leadership!

 

Q: How can I benefit from choosing the AA Dance major?

A. You can…

Transfer to Post-secondary Performing Arts Programs  and many other majors!

When you complete the AA Dance Degree requirements, at Laney College, you have fulfilled all of your basic 60 unit GE pattern for transfer. Of those 60 units, 19 units are the Dance Degree portion which are CSU and UC transferable. Students wishing to transfer to the CSU or UC system or other private college should meet with an academic counselor to develop a transfer plan which addresses all general education and lower-division transfer requirements. (Yvonne (L) used her AA Dance degree to pursue professional mixed martial arts and Samantha (R) used her AA Dance degree to transfer to Long Beach State to earn her BA and is now at NYU pursuing her master’s degree in Public Health. (Watch some of our videos to see Yvonne and Samantha in dance motion!)

Q: What types of career opportunities are there for someone who majors in Dance?

A: The Associate Arts Degree in Dance extends to the following careers and more!

  • Dance Education: Pre-K – 12 teachers or teach in colleges and universities
  • Professional Dance: Choreographers, Performers, Studio Teachers
  • Arts Administration: Artistic Directors, Executive Directors, Fund Developers; Festival Directors
  • Fitness Studios: Dance and fitness studio owners and managers
  • Health & Wellness: Personal Trainers, Mindful Body Conditioning
  • Arts Advocacy: Public Policy in the Arts; Grantmaking; Grant Writing
  • Therapeutic Practice: Dance Therapy, Physical Therapy, Occupational Therapy
  • Stage: Broadway, Lighting Design, Film & Television, Stage Managers
  • Recreation: Youth Instructors; Camp Counselors; Program Coordinators & Directors
  • Journalism: Dance critics; Arts editors; Column writers for newspapers

Contact Us

Department Chair
Dr. Andrea Lee
Email: avlee@peralta.edu

View All Faculty --->>>

Dean
Elizabeth Maher
Email: emaher@peralta.edu

Learning & Career Pathway
Visual & Performing Arts

Division
Liberal Arts

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Degrees & Certificates

Dance
Dance - A.A. Degree

This Degree is designed for dance students whose career goals are focused on the dance performance and choreography industry, dance concert production & promotion, and other commercial related ventures. 

 

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Ballet Dance Teaching Preparation and Performance - Certificate of Achievement

This Certificate recognizes the completion and mastery of European Folk Ballet techniques in one of the six folk traditions.

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Jazz Dance Teaching Preparation and Performance - Certificate of Achievement

This Certificate recognizes the completion and mastery of vernacular jazz technique as a critical foundation for teaching and performance in dance and related performing arts careers.

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Joyful Movement Life Skills: Comprehensive Apparatus Training - Certificate of Achievement

This Certificate is designed for students who seek dance and wellness integration opportunities that prepare them for careers as nationally certified Pilates instructors and other commercial whole body and fitness ventures.

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Joyful Movement Life Skills: Mat Training - Certificate of Achievement

This Certificate is the first in a series of progressive training programs. Successful completion of one or more single Joyful Movement Life Skills Certificates of Achievements leads to careers in fitness centers, health and wellness centers, or privately owned studios.

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Joyful Movement Life Skills: Reformer Training - Certificate of Achievement

This Certificate is the second in a series of three progressive Pilates teacher training preparation programs offered through the Department of Dance at Laney college.

Laney College Enrollment (8)
Modern Dance Teaching Preparation and Performance - Certificate of Achievement

This Certificate recognizes the completion and mastery of modern dance technique as a critical foundation for teaching and performance in dance and related performing arts careers.

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World Folkloric Dance Teaching Preparation and Performance - Certificate of Achievement

This Certificate recognizes the completion and mastery of World Folkloric Dance forms in one or more of several dance genres.

Semester in Ghana

SANKOFA Semester in Ghana

SANKOFA Semester in Ghana is open to students of all majors, educators, and the community. This is an intergenerational program whereby students, community, and educators participate in unity to build intercultural competency awareness while participating in African cultural-based programs abroad.

Study Abroad & Dance Testimonials

Charles on the canopy walk

This opportunity allowed me to overcome so many boundaries and fears, being able to travel across the country and experience a different way of life was truly amazing! Coming from an urban community it was difficult for me to think outside of the box. Having such a closed boxed in mindset, I never envisioned myself exploring the world, and what it has to offer. 

Amari Joseph
Diablo Valley College-Communications Major

My study abroad experience in Ghana changed my perspective on life and my purpose. The people I met and the experiences I had gave me direction that I have been searching for. I am truly grateful.

Taylor Lyons
Dance 7 Student & Laney Staff Member

Every teacher at Laney College has an abundance of knowledge and experience to share. If dance is your major–do your best to wear thick skin. Take your teachers advice even when it hurts. And come back…and keep coming back! Have fun and remember why dance is your major. It’s about Joy!

Elizabeth Jolivet
California State University at East Bay

My favorite part of class is when we walk across the floor. We get to dance to different types of music and we get to mix in our own personal styles. It’s definitely fun to see everyone cut loose before we start our workout. The exercises were intense, and some even too advanced to pull off, but i could feel my body adapting; I never knew that dancing could be such a good workout.

Minh Tran
Dance 68/Modern I

Faculty

Laney College Enrollment (3)

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Transfer To A University

Laney College's AA-T and AS-T degrees guarantee junior standing admission to the CSU system, with priority for local CSU campuses in similar programs. Consult a counselor or transfer specialist for details.

Meet With A Counselor

Counselors can help you create a Student Educational Plan (SEP) to outline the courses needed for an Associate’s degree, transfer, or certificate, even if you're unsure of your educational goals.

Uncertain About Your Career Path?

We provide support with career exploration, self-assessment as well as the major and career decision making process to help all Laney students achieve career satisfaction and success.